Little Branch

I've gone to Little Branch off and on for years, and unfortunately, I have witnessed its dramatic decline. The change has been so drastic that rumors of it changing hands have been passed around. I've witnessed it change from a classy, underground, chilled-out lounge with custom drinks and great music... to a frat-row, Wall St populated, shadow of a mid-town bar rife with snobs (customers and staff alike). My most recent (and officially last) visit culminated in the "staff" yelling at me. Here's the story: Went there on an empty Sunday night with friends to have a round. Sat at a booth, ordered, had drinks. Everything was fine. While we were leaving, the waiter made a rude comment to one of my company. When I asked the waiter why he had said that, he told me that our tip wasn't big enough. I was flabbergasted. I asked to speak to the manager and was told that the bartender, waiter and busboy WERE the manager (bad policy to not have someone to reign your staff in when they get out of control). I explained to them that if they expected a certain percentage of tip, they should include it in the ticket. They very loudly and rudely told me to leave, and on the way out, yelled insults at me. I've never been treated like that in even the grungiest bars in NYC, much less one that charges $12 flat rate for every cocktail. If the staff (and "manager", I guess) can't make a good hourly rate from a place that charges $12 per cocktail... If they feel the need to insult their customers for being a couple of dollars short of what THEY expected from the tip (not what the service was actually worth)... They should take it up with the owner, not take it out on the customers. I feel bad for people when they hate what they do to the point of taking it out on others. If I was the owner (apparently still the same one that owns Milk and Honey), I would re-staff as soon as possible. Treating your patrons like this is always a big mistake... especially in economically hard times. Bad decision. I've recommended Little Branch to people before... never again.